phone (727)  527-1249

phone (727)  527-1249

Items filtered by date: February 2016

diabetic foot care4Properly taking care of your feet daily is an important first step if you’re a diabetic. “Currently in the world, 1 in 11 adults has diabetes, and 1 in 2 adults with diabetes is undiagnosed.” If diabetes is not managed, nerve damage can be one consequence if blood sugar levels become too high. Foot injuries can also lead to infections if not treated immediately. Feet should be inspected daily for foot ulcers, and visit your podiatrist often to check circulation in your feet.

Diabetics must pay special attention to their feet to help prevent any complications. If you believe you are having problems with your diabetic feet, visit Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Saint Petersburg, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care

Published in Blog
Monday, 22 February 2016 15:00

Cryotherapy can treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

fractures1Cryotherapy is emerging as a possible therapy solution for those who have health problems. Although cryotherapy is used by doctors today to treat cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and speed up recovery time for injuries, cryotherapy is not a common practice and requires more studies behind its effects. The new treatment employs sub-freezing temperatures, which patients expose themselves to while naked. The cold is said to help improve health conditions by stimulating the functions that regulate the body. Patients who participated in cryotherapy sessions submerge their bodies for 2-3 minutes, which leads to the skin’s temperature dropping by 30 to 50 degrees.

Understanding where RA starts will help treat and prevent the condition. If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, contact Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Severe pain and immobility are caused by an inflammation of the lining of your joints, and in worse cases the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone can occur.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, many cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area. Pain will often initially present in the toes before the condition worsens and spreads throughout the entire foot.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of the feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that your podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor may ask you about your medical history and lifestyle to help determine possible causes of your RA.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no cure for RA, so treatment options are designed to specifically target the symptoms of it, most notably the pain it causes. Two types of anti-inflammatory drugs – non-steroidal or NSAIDs and corticosteroids – may be prescribed by your doctor. In some severe cases where the joints are too badly damaged, surgery may be an option. As always, speak with your podiatrist to help determine the appropriate treatment options available to you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Saint Petersburg, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about rheumatoid arthritis

Published in Blog
Monday, 15 February 2016 14:59

Dez Bryant remains on Injured Reserve

fracturesDez Bryant has been on injured reserve after undergoing surgery for both his foot and ankle. The news of Bryant’s placement on injured reserve was originally shared at the end of December by Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett. Bryant had originally broken his right foot in Week 1 during a game against the New York Giants. He had returned to the field during the November 1st game against the Seattle Seahawks but reportedly not one hundred percent himself.  

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment to prevent exacerbation. If you are seeking treatment for a broken foot, visit Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue (foot)
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Saint Petersburg, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Broken Feet

Published in Blog
Monday, 08 February 2016 14:55

What to Know About Functional Hallux Limitus

bunions7According to podiatrist Dr. Howard Dananberg, functional hallux limitus (FHL) exists as a condition that affects the great toe joint in the foot. FHL differs from the more commonly known hallux limitus in that muscle motion in the joint becomes blocked when weight or pressure is applied. Symptoms of pain or inflammation usually do not show in the toe joint during normal activity like walking, therefore FHL is a subtle condition. FHL can also lead to inflammation in the lower back and neck, affecting the motion of your heels and legs. Dr. Howard Dananberg recommends orthotics and physically treating your muscles as solutions to FHL.

Untreated hallux limitus can become very painful. If you believe you are having problems with your feet, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein can treat your foot and ankle needs.  

What You Need To Know About Hallux Limitus

Hallux limitus is a medical condition which stands for “stiff toe.” This is an arthritic condition in which movement of the big toe is constrained. The pain is usually allocated between the large toe and foot.

Symptoms

Toe pain is common, therefore many people tend to overlook this issue and believe it’s nothing serious. But, if you notice sharp pain, bone growths, tightness around the joint and even changes in the way you walk. It is vital to see a podiatrist before your condition worsens.  

How Do I Get It?

Genetics – hallux limitus can be inherited from your parents, or someone can be who is born with a predisposition to arthritis as well.

Injury – overuse can cause trauma to the joints leading to extra bone growth and wear away the cartilage.

Treatment

Lifestyle & Physical Therapy – having motion and massages to the given area will help slow down complications and gradually increase flexibility.

R.I.C.E. – stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Combining the R.I.C.E method with other treatments is proven effective.

Surgery

If there are no signs of improvement, surgery will be the final option. Surgeries performed are the arthrodesis which fuses the joint. The cheilectomy is when the joint is cleaned of scar tissue, therefore the toe can move freely.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Saint Petersburg, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Hallux Limitus

Published in Blog

heel pain01Last month Amir Johnson of the Boston Celtics had suffered a case of plantar fasciitis, causing him to miss two practices in one weekend. Johnson had been receiving treatment for the injury for a couple of weeks. The Celtics player spent some time in a boot to be conservative and has dealt with injuries before. Brad Stevens shared, “He’s been getting (the plantar fasciitis) treated. I never know to what extent it affects each of these guys. But certainly that’s something that you just have to keep a good pulse on and treat well. A lot of these guys have little nagging things like that.”

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you believe you are having problems with your feet, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein can treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

·     Excessive running

·     Non-supportive shoes

·     Overpronation

·     Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

 

How Can It Be Treated?

·     Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices

·     Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis

·     Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

 

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Saint Petersburg, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

Published in Blog